Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Current systemic therapy for metastatic melanoma

Sanjiv S Agarwala1

  • 1St Luke's Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Bethlehem, PA, USA. agarwas@slhn.org

Expert Review of Anticancer Therapy
|May 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Metastatic melanoma has few effective treatments, with limited long-term remission rates. Ongoing research focuses on novel immunotherapies and targeted treatments for this lethal skin cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Metastatic melanoma is a deadly cancer with less than 10% long-term remission.
  • No new drugs have been approved for metastatic melanoma in over 20 years.
  • Current treatments like chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy show limited efficacy in trials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current status of treatments for metastatic melanoma.
  • To discuss recently completed and ongoing clinical trials.
  • To explore novel immunotherapeutic and targeted approaches.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of completed and ongoing clinical trials.
  • Analysis of treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
  • Discussion of novel therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • High-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) offers long-term remission in select patients but is impractical for most.
  • Chemotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy have not demonstrated significant advantages in randomized trials.
  • Research is actively exploring new immunotherapeutic and targeted treatment options.

Conclusions:

  • Metastatic melanoma treatment remains challenging with limited therapeutic options.
  • Novel immunotherapies and targeted therapies represent promising avenues for future research.
  • Continued investigation into clinical trials is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma09:52

Isolated Hepatic Perfusion as a Treatment for Liver Metastases of Uveal Melanoma

Published on: January 25, 2015

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis07:41

A Robust Discovery Platform for the Identification of Novel Mediators of Melanoma Metastasis

Published on: March 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...